Solar panels for homes and businesses

Last updated 13:04, Saturday, 04 October 2008

TWO Cumbrian entrepreneurs have launched a company to bring solar panel technology to homes and businesses in the county.

solar panels: Businessmen David Blair and Donald Johnstone have launched a solar panel business Solar Solutions (GB) Ltd with the assistance of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, from left: Mike Morris, from Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, David Blair and Donald Johnstone

David Blair and Donald Johnstone have set up Solar Solutions (GB), installing solar tubes, which can provide heating and hot water and could cut heating bills.

They have signed a deal with distributor Powertech to become sole suppliers of Apricus solar tubes in Cumbria.

The firm is now installing tubes at houses in Cockermouth and Flimby and has a deal to fit them at a West Cumbrian factory.

The tubes capture UV rays, whether it is sunny or not, and can reach temperatures of 200 degrees Celsius. They work like a vacuum flask, so once captured the heat cannot escape, and it is estimated that an average household of four would need about 30 tubes.

Mr Blair, from Mirehouse, Whitehaven, said: “They are within everyone’s price bracket and there is a three to five-year payback time.”

Maryport plumbing firm Blue Flame will do the installation work.

Mr Blair added: “We want to bring honesty and integrity to the business and operate in the traditional Cumbrian way by being honest with people.

“We are committed to Cumbria. We want to take on about seven guys this year and make contributions to local charities and projects.”